Biology Major

Requirements for the Major

A major in Biology requires a minimum of 14-16* courses distributed according to the outline presented below. 

Prerequisite:  MATH030 SC   or equivalent proficiency is prerequisite to this major.

Required Courses*

1. Biology Foundation courses:

• Introductory Biology: BIOL043L KS  and BIOL044L KS ; or BIOL042L KS  and BIOL044L KS ;
• Introductory Chemistry: CHEM014L KS  and CHEM015L KS ; or CHEM014L KS  and CHEM042L KS ; or CHEM029L KS  

2. Three* Breadth courses, selected from the list below. Breadth courses may not be double-counted as  Foundation or Elective courses. Courses should be selected in consultation with a Keck Science advisor. Note that some courses in this list may be required pre-requisites for some upper division biology courses.

• Up to two courses in Organic Chemistry (CHEM116L KS , CHEM117L KS )
• Up to two courses in General Physics (PHYS030L KS , PHYS031L KS ; or PHYS033L KS , PHYS034L KS )
• One introductory course in computer programming (CSCI00, DS 001 SC , CSCI005 HM , or equivalent). 
• One math course for which MATH 030  or higher is listed as a prerequisite
• One upper division Environmental Science course taught by the Keck Science Dept. (e.g., EA 100 KS , EA 103 KS , EA 104 KS ) 
• One course in the history, philosophy, or ethics of science (e.g. HIST082 HM , PHIL038 PO , PHIL103 PZ )

3. Six* Biology Elective courses, numbered 100 or higher, including at least three laboratory courses (indicated by the “L” subscript). Elective courses may not be double counted as foundation or breadth courses.

4. Senior Thesis in Biology; complete one of the following options. Students must register their thesis plans with the Keck Science Department during the spring semester of their penultimate year.

• BIOL191 KS One-Semester Thesis in Biology   
• BIOL188L KS  and BIOL190L KS , two-semester thesis in Biology
• BIOL189L KS  and BIOL190L KS , two-semester thesis in Biology with a summer research component

*Note: Dual majors in Biology need only 4 Biology Elective Courses (at least two with lab)

Students wishing to continue their education in biology-related graduate or professional school programs may need to supplement this basic curriculum with additional course work in science. Department faculty should be consulted for advice at the earliest possible opportunity.

Honors Requirements (All Tracks)

To be considered for departmental honors in one of the science majors, a student must:

• Achieve a minimum grade point average of 3.67 in courses in the major.  
• Achieve a minimum grade of A- on the thesis.
• Complete a one- or two-semester thesis project in which the student has demonstrated excellence by making a significant contribution to the progress of the research and by producing a thesis document judged to be of honors quality by the department.
• Present an oral progress report at the end of the first semester of a two-semester thesis and a poster at the conclusion of either a one- or two-semester thesis in which the student clearly explains the rationale for the project and the conclusions drawn, engages the listener, and knowledgeably answers questions.
• Attend at least six scientific seminars during the semester (each semester for a two-semester thesis) and submit a brief and clear summary of each.